Chaddsford Winery 2005 Merican

One of the iconic wineries on the East Coast, Chaddsford Winery has been producing award-winning wines since their first release in 1983. Heralded winemaker Eric Miller is largely credited with launching a wine industry in Pennsylvania that now boasts more than 100 wineries and counting. Having achieved national acclaim and recognition, Eric’s wines have been featured in a number of prestigious wine and food publications.  A true wine pioneer that has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of winemaking.

One such wine that has raised the bar is their flagship Bordeaux blend, the Chaddsford Winery 2005 Merican ($40).   A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the Merican makes a statement with a bottle that is almost twice as heavy as the norm.  A serious bottle of wine that not only looks the part, but acts the part.

The nose features delicate notes of tobacco, cedar and black raspberry.  An almost earthiness quality.

Spicy, rich, and intense, flavors of chocolate, currant and black cherries combine to seduce your every sense.

Sold in the 375 ml format, the wine retails for $18.99 (disclaimer, the website only lists the ’06 so price could vary).  Coming in at 10.5% alcohol and 9.7% residual sugar, the Riesling displayed a seductive nose of peach, apple, and pear.  After the first glass, we threw around words such as intoxicating, seductive, and perfect.  I think you get the picture.

Once again, I’m at the bottom of a Chaddsford wine wishing for another pour.  I’m thinking I may need to make my way up to southeastern Pennsylvania sooner rather than later.  Happy holidays!

Click here to vote TheOther46.com as your favorite wine blog!

Tonight’s pour is the ’05 Due Rossi received from Chaddsford Winery.  Due Rossi means “two reds”, and is a blend of two Italian varieties:  63% Barbera and 37% Sangiovese.  The wine is from their “Portfolio Collection” and retails online for $24.99.  688 cases were produced.

A bouquet of violets, blackberry, vanilla, and red fruit help set the stage for your first sip, where you’re quickly seduced by layers of ripe jammy fruit and licorice.  A medium-bodied wine that delivers quality and value from the first pour to the last.  A dynamic wine from Chaddsford Winery and another reason Pennsylvania is a state on the rise!

Click here to vote TheOther46.com as your favorite wine blog!

Located in the Atlantic Uplands district of southeastern Pennsylvania in the Brandywine Valley, Chaddsford Winery has achieved a national reputation for producing premium wines of world-class structure.  Founded in 1982 by proprietors Eric and Lee Miller, the boutique winery is Pennsylvania’s largest and most acclaimed winery.  At the forefront of Pennsylvania winemaking, Chaddsford Winery has received critical acclaim from wine writers and drinkers throughout the country, including Robert Parker, The Wine Spectator, Bon Appétit, and The Robb Report.

Last month I received a package from Chaddsford including several wines from their award-winning lineup.  I’ve sampled 3 to date and have included my summaries below:

From the heralded 2007 vintage comes the Syrah.  Retailing for a very fair $19, the wine offers aromas of charcoal, smoke, and vanilla.  A medium-bodied wine perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with grilled meats.  Flavors of black pepper, dark fruit, and a hint of tobacco help make this tasty wine the perfect Christmas present for your wine-loving friend.

Also from the ’07 vintage is the Pinot Noir.  The light, ruby colored Pinot displays beautiful aromas of cherry, blackberry and spice.  A medium body Pinot made in a classic Burgundian style.  My first Atlantic Uplands Pinot Noir, and certainly not my last.

Rounding out my tasting is a variety that is finding a home in the fertile soils of Pennsylvania.  Retailing for $18, the ’07 Pinot Grigio delivers from start to finish.  A nose of honey, lemon, and toasted almonds, help set the stage for a refreshingly crisp, zesty wine.

No matter the wine or vintage, Eric is serving up some of the best offerings on the East Coast.  Cheers!

Click here to vote TheOther46.com as your favorite wine blog!